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5 Spring Wine Events Worth Attending

by Natalie MacLean

on 01/12/08 at 05:18 PM

Shows, dinners and tastings are one of the best ways to learn about wine. Often you can taste a wide variety of wines side-by-side in a way you can't at dinner at home or event in a restaurant. There are also often guided tutoirals that enhance the experience. Here are some events this spring for your consideration.

Ottawa Taste of Winterlude Wine Fair will be held February 5 at Government Conference Centre, 2 Rideau St. in Ottawa, Ontario. The Wine Council of Ontario, in partnership with member wineries from Niagara Peninsula, Lake Erie North Shore, Pelee Island and Prince Edward County, presents a tasting of 100% VQA wines including icewine. More than 20 wineries and over 100 VQA wine selections. Interactive seminars featuring Ontario's varietals. Win trips to Ontario's wine regions. Admission is $45 guests, $40 wine club members. For information, call Linda Watts at 905-684-8070 Ext. 223, e-mail linda.watts@winesofontario.org or visit http://winesofontario.org/Ottawa/index.html.

Jazz on the Vine will be held from February 9 to March 9 at from 1 pm - 5 pm in Long Island, New York. Live jazz performances at the wineries on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Performances by David Amram Quartet, Ali Ahmad, Shenole Latimer Quartet, Teddy Charles, Rythmic Prophecies and others. Admission is free. For information, call Steven Bate at 631-722-2220, e-mail info@liwines.com or visit http://www.liwinterfest.com.

Red Cross Annual Wine Tasting and Auction will be held February 29 from 6:00 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. at 786 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, NY. The American Red Cross will host its annual "vintage affair" wine tasting and auction at the Clement Mansion on Delaware Avenue. Nearly 150 people will enjoy wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction of fine wines from around the world. RSVP by February 25, 2008. Admission is $50. Proceeds go to The American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter, helps nearly 145,000 people prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters locally. For information, call Michael Pignatora at 716-878-2374, e-mail pignatoram@usa.redcross.org.

More events ...

Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend will be held from May 7 to May 10 in Charlotte, NC. Since its inception in 1990, the Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend has grown into one of the Southeast's largest wine events and has raised over $2.7 million for local charities. Held in the spring of every even-numbered year, the weekend draws notable winemakers from around the world and pairs them with Charlotte's top chefs for four days of fun and educational events. Events include Vintner Dinners at the city's top restaurants,a 1000 Point Tasting, Big Bottles & Blues, Wine 101 and the Grand Live Auction & Gala. Admission is costs vary. Proceeds go to Hospitality House: Since it's opening in 1985, the mission of Hospitality House is to provide a "home away from home" for out-of-town family members of patients in local hospitals. For information, call Missy Mandel at 704-338-9463, e-mail cltwineandfoodweekend@gmail.com or visit http://www.charlottewineandfood.com.

Santa Monica Farmers Market 25th Anniversary Dinner will be held April 15 6-10pm at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel in Santa Monica, CA. We are celebrating 25 years of the Original farmers market in Santa Monica. 21 Top Los Angeles chefs will be paired with farmers and serve small plates, dinner and dessert made with the farm fresh ingredients they often use in their restaurants. Food will be paired with wines being donated from many wineries and importers from around the world. Admission is $100. Proceeds go to Southland Farmers Market Association. For information, call Dave Rubell at 310 -441-1840, e-mail chefdr11@earthlink.net.

Do you plan to attend any events this spring that you'd like to share with other wine lovers here?

I've heard that's a well-run event: great wines and many of the producers are actually there to pour them.

acmurph 09:30:29 PM on 01/12/08

The Vancouver Playhouse international Wine Festival is a fantastic event worth mentioning. 701 Wines, 176 wineries, from 16 countries are available for enjoying during this week of wine lover's bliss.

There are dinners, tastings and seminars, casual and shwanky. It runs from Feb25- March 8,2008. This year's theme region is Italy... yum. I have always had a wonderful time, get your tickets early ;it does sell out... Cheers everyone !!